Start your morning with this wholesome Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal—warm, cozy, and naturally sweet!
Packed with fiber from oats and apples, protein from eggs, and healthy fats from butter or coconut oil, it’s a nutritious, guilt-free breakfast.
Quick to prep and perfect for meal prep, this satisfying dish is naturally sweetened, low in saturated fat, and ideal for everyday mornings.
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Equipment
- 1 × 8×8-inch baking dish
- 1 × Large mixing bowl
- 1 × Medium mixing bowl
- 1 × whisk or fork
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups old fashioned oats
- 1 ¾ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk or milk of choice
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or brown sugar/honey
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced apples Honeycrisp recommended
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven is at the right temperature before you start baking is crucial for even cooking. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, butter, or coconut oil. Make sure the coating reaches every corner to prevent the oatmeal from sticking, then set the dish aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 2 1/4 cups of old fashioned oats. Sprinkle in 1 3/4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk or fork to stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed throughout the oats. This step creates a balanced flavor foundation for your baked oatmeal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Pour in 1 3/4 cups of unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or any milk of your choice), 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, and 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (or your preferred sweetener such as honey or brown sugar). Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter or coconut oil, allowing it to cool slightly before adding to prevent curdling the eggs. Next, whisk in 2 beaten large eggs and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Mix well until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry oat mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently stir until all the ingredients are combined. Make sure there are no dry patches of oats left, and the mixture has a consistent, slightly thick texture. This step ensures that every bite of oatmeal is flavorful and perfectly textured.
- Fold in Apples: Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, fold in 1 cup of diced apples. Stir gently to evenly distribute the apples throughout the oatmeal mixture. The apples will add natural sweetness and a delightful texture to the baked oatmeal, while also contributing fiber and essential nutrients.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, smoothing the top to create a uniform layer. Make sure the mixture reaches the corners of the dish for even baking.
- Bake the Oatmeal: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center; it should come out clean, and the top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the oatmeal in the last 5 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. This step helps the oatmeal set fully and makes it easier to cut into portions. Serve warm with optional toppings like a dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon, fresh apple slices, or a spoonful of nut butter for added flavor and nutrition.
- Store Leftovers: If you have leftovers, cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. To enjoy later, simply reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or warm in the oven until heated through.
- Tips for Perfect Baked Oatmeal: For extra flavor, consider tossing the diced apples with a pinch of cinnamon before folding them into the batter. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added texture. For a plant-based version, swap eggs with flax or chia egg replacements, and use coconut oil instead of butter.
Notes
- You can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan for larger servings.
- Use firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for best texture and flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax or chia eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Adjust sweetness to taste—maple syrup adds natural sweetness, but brown sugar or honey works too.
- Optional toppings like nuts, yogurt, or fresh fruit enhance texture and flavor.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; check for a golden top and set center.
- Let the oatmeal cool slightly before slicing to ensure it holds together.
Chef’s Secrets To Perfect Oatmeal
The key to a perfectly baked oatmeal lies in balancing the wet and dry ingredients.
Make sure the oats are fully coated with the milk mixture for uniform texture.
Using slightly cooled melted butter or coconut oil prevents the eggs from curdling, resulting in a creamy, cohesive bake.
For extra depth of flavor, lightly toss diced apples with cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg before folding them into the batter.
This step enhances the natural sweetness and aroma, making each bite more flavorful.
Finally, resist the urge to overbake; the oatmeal should be golden on top but still moist inside for the ideal texture.
Serving Suggestions For Breakfast
This baked oatmeal is wonderfully versatile and can be served warm or slightly chilled.
For a hearty breakfast, top each portion with a dollop of Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkling of cinnamon.
For added texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans.
Fresh apple slices or dried cranberries can make it visually appealing and add extra sweetness.
It also works beautifully as a grab-and-go breakfast—simply cut into squares and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage Tips For Freshness
To keep your baked oatmeal fresh, allow it to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftover portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days.
Individual servings can also be frozen for up to three months; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a freezer-safe container.
When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Storing with a piece of parchment between portions prevents them from sticking together.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use rolled oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, rolled oats can be substituted, but the texture will be slightly softer. Avoid quick-cooking oats, as they can make the bake mushy and alter the structure. Old-fashioned oats give the best chewiness and hold their shape when baked.
2. How do I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon flax/chia seeds + 3 tablespoons water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes). Swap butter for coconut oil or plant-based margarine, and use a plant-based milk to maintain the same creamy texture and flavor.
3. Can I make this oatmeal ahead of time?
Absolutely! Baked oatmeal is perfect for meal prep. Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning or bake ahead of time and reheat individual portions during the week for a quick, nutritious breakfast.
4. Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Yes! Chopped pears, berries, or even mashed bananas can be folded in for variation. Nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts can be sprinkled on top or mixed in before baking for extra crunch and healthy fats.
5. How do I prevent the oatmeal from sticking?
Greasing the baking dish thoroughly with nonstick spray, butter, or coconut oil is essential. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before slicing to prevent it from breaking apart.
